Organisers of this year's inaugural Korean Grand Prix have reported that the construction of the circuit is 80% complete and on schedule to be finished in time for the race in late October.

The Korea Auto Valley Operation (KAVO) has been keen to silence doubts about the project ever since it suffered some negative press in April. But in recent weeks the political instability between North Korea and South Korea has cast fresh doubts over the grand prix, as teams have not finalised their travel arrangements.

The latest news from KAVO is that the track is about to be surfaced and the event still has the full support of the national government.

"We are extremely pleased with the progress of the circuit, facilities, and preparations for the Formula One Korean Grand Prix," KAVO chief executive officer Yung Cho Chung said. "Construction is on schedule for completion this summer, and we have encountered no obstacles whatsoever, either logistical or political. The government, at both the central and provincial level, is fully supportive of the project, and the entire country looks forward to welcoming Formula One to South Korea this autumn."